Autism Society Western New York

Strategies for Helping Children with ASD: Exploring Various Applications of Behavioral Interventions - Virtual Conference
2023-03-23 07:50 - 15:15 (America/New_York)
Full Day Virtual Conference
Strategies for Helping Children with ASD: Exploring Various Applications of Behavioral Interventions
Thursday, March 23, 2023
7:50am – 3:15pm
Registration – $25.00
Continuing Education Units Available – $15.00
This conference is sponsored by The Summit Center and the Western New York Regional Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) for parents, teachers, therapists, and other helping professionals. There continues to be considerable controversy regarding the best approach to ensure that autistic children are learning in school. Autism is a neurological disorder characterized by significant impairments in communication, socialization, and interests. These deficits mean that some learning readiness skills are absent. The field is associated with a great number of instructional / treatment movements to overcome these challenges, but most have not been subjected to objective evaluation. At the same time, evidence-based approaches, are often rejected as too rigid and removed from the natural environment. However, there are a broad range of empirically validated techniques that can be applied in many ways and conditions. This conference will present some of those approaches.
Download flyer for additional information including presenter bios, abstract, learning objectives, and speaker disclosures.
Presentation 1: 8:00 – 9:00 AM
Cultural Responsiveness in Professional Practice: A Commitment to Collective Empowerment
Presented by Margaret Uwayo, Ph.D., BCBA
Kalamazoo Academy for Behavioral & Academic Success (KABAS) and YWCA of Kalamazoo, MI
Presentation 2: 9:00 – 10:30 AM
Progressive ABA with Individuals Diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Recent Advancements in Research and Clinical Practice
Presented by Justin Leaf, Ph.D., CPBA-AP, BCBA-D
Autism Partnership Foundation & Endicott College
Presentation 3: 10:45 AM – 12:45 PM
Increasing Play Complexity in Young Children with Autism and Other Disabilities
Presented by Erin Barton, Ph.D., BCBA, Associate Professor
Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN
Presentation 4: 1:00 PM – 3:15 PM
Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT) for Young Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Presented by Danny Openden, Ph.D., BCBA
Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center, Phoenix, AZ
Register for this conference at:
https://nysrcasd.org/events/1077/registrations/new
ASHA, BCBA, CTLE, OT/OTA, PT/PTA, PSY (Pending) CEUs will be available for a fee of $15.00 each. Please see flyer for additional details.
Please call 716-629-3417 or email wnyrcasd@thesummitcenter.org with any questions.

NEW- (LRE) Least Restrictive Environment What You Need to Know - webinar
2023-03-23 11:00 - 12:30
Have you heard of LRE or the Least Restrictive Environment? Many parents are unaware of what is means. (LRE) stands for Least Restrictive Environment and is part of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). It refers to the placement that your child is in. Least restrictive environment is an important part of your child’s IEP.
Join Parent to Parent NYS for this new presentation and learn what the laws says about LRE.
REGISTER

Nurtured Heart Approach - 4 Week Series - In-person workshop
2023-03-23 17:30 - 20:00 | Clarence High School, 9625 Main St., Clarence, NY, 14031, United States
Four Week Parenting Series – Joe Clem MA, LMFT, BCBA, Certified NHA Advanced Trainer
Thursdays, March 23, March 30, April 13, and April 20 from 5:30-8:00 pm
Are you frustrated by behavior challenges that put your child in control of your home? Have your discipline methods stopped working? Do you want your children to have good morals, be compassionate, and be self-confident?
The Nurtured Heart Approach (NHA) is a language-based approach that can help you regain focus and power and rebuild the love you want in your home. NHA teaches us why our typical parenting methods don’t always work and can even make things worse. The magic rests in its ability to use language to build “inner wealth” and to make positive connections to those around us by focusing on what IS working, at all times.
You will learn how to hold clear limits and consequences while you build positive connections. You will immediately FEEL the difference in your home, and in time, you, your children and your family learn to flourish.
The approach is valid for all ages and types of relationships. It is effective for behaviorally and emotionally challenged children (ADHD, ODD, ASD, Attachment, etc.) as well as typically developing children. You will leave this series with clear techniques and strategies to face the behavioral challenges that brought you in.
The approach has much proven success in homes, schools, human service agencies and businesses all over the world. We look forward to seeing you Transform!!
No prior reading is required. Childcare available for children age 4+ to those who register.
Register by email to info@parentnetworkwny.org or by phone at (716) 332-4170 or online at Nurtured Heart Approach – 4 Week Series – Parent Network of WNY (parentnetworkwny.org).
Clarence High School, 9625 Main Street, Clarence, NY 14031 Families should park on the far east lot closest to the church.
A light dinner will be served at 5:30 pm, event running from 6 pm to 8 pm.
*Certificate of completion available upon request*
REGISTER TODAY! FREE EVENT!
Call: 716-332-4170 | Email: info@parentnetworkwny.org
Download Flyer

Parent Network Information Night for Transition via Zoom
2023-03-27 18:00 - 19:00
Parent Network Information Night for Transition
Join Parent Network to learn more about NYSAA (NYS Alternative Assessment) and transition for special needs students.
REGISTER.
FREE EVENT!
Call: 716-332-4170 | Email: info@parentnetworkwny.org
Download Flyer

Loss, Grief, and Adjustment for Parents of Children with Special Needs - webinar
2023-03-28 11:00 - 12:00
Please join Parent to Parent of NYS, Dodie Daniels, Regional Coordinator, as she presents on Loss,Grief and Adjustment for Parents of Children with Special Needs.
Powerful and intense feelings are natural and common responses to parenting a child with exceptional needs. This training will provide an overview of common emotions experienced by parents and discuss how by sharing and acknowledging these emotions parents can find the inner strength needed to face and embrace their role as a parent of a child with special needs.
REGISTER HERE.

Parents Considering a Residential Placement Discussion Group via Zoom
2023-03-28 19:00 - 20:00
Are you considering residential placement for your family member? Parent to Parent of New York State is excited to host a new Parent Discussion Group facilitated by Sharon Linne for families with children and adults of all ages who are considering placement in a residential school or a group home. Come join Sharon Linne for an hour of support and conversation about this important topic.
REGISTER HERE.

Region 1 Self-Direction Information Session via WebEx/online
2023-03-29 09:00 - 11:00
All Region 1 Self-Direction Information sessions are WebEx/online format and attendance is taken using the person’s email address. This WebEx (if attended in its entirety) satisfies the requirement for attending a Self-Direction information session.
Attendance is taken using the email address logging in for the session. If you have any additional questions regarding attendance, please call your SD Liaison.
**People who are unable to access a WebEx session should contact their SD Liaison for a phone session.
REGISTER HERE.

OPWDD FRONT DOOR INFORMATION SESSION (English) - online
2023-03-29 13:00 - 15:00
The Front Door Information Session will outline the process of how you can become eligible for supports and services, the types of supports and services available, and where you can go to get assistance. All sessions are presently offered remotely by WebEx. The session length is two hours.
All Regional Offices offer translation services for the language that best fits your needs. If you require a session in a language other than English, Spanish or Chinese, including American Sign Language (ASL), please contact your local Front Door Office. Front Door contact numbers may be found on the OPWDD Website here: https://opwdd.ny.gov/contact-us#access-services-through-front-door.
Registration is required. REGISTER HERE.
Contact for assistance: Erin Caglioti (631) 416-3943 orerin.a.caglioti@opwdd.ny.gov

Statewide- Virtual Special Education Parent Chat Group via Zoom
2023-03-30 18:30 - 20:00
Come join us for our Special Education chat group.
As a parent’s of children with special needs, we know firsthand how hard it is to advocate for our children in school. Sometimes we feel helpless, exhausted, and lonely and let’s face it advocating for our kids is complicated!
If you’re a parent, grandparent, caregiver of a child with special needs and struggling with special education school related issues, come join us for an opportunity to share what’s happening while engaging in great conversation, sharing your knowledge, ideas and resources with other parents in the community who are dealing with the same issues. All from the comfort of your own home.
REGISTER HERE.

Adaptive Climbing - Central Rock Gym
2023-04-02 09:00 - 10:00 | Central Rock Gym, 55 Chicago Street, Buffalo, NY, 14204, United States
Adaptive Climbing
Anyone can climb! We will help figure out the most fun and safe way to get you climbing. Maybe its on the wall, a rope or a combination of both. All levels and abilities welcome.
Sensory Sensitive Sundays
Every 1st Sunday of the month from 9-10 am – all ages (per CRG)

Free for members
$10 per session for non-members

We will have the music off and staff available to belay. Come climb during on of our less busy and more quiet times!
Sign up online to ensure a staff belay.

Central Rock Gym
55 Chicago St.
Buffalo, NY 14204

(716) 262-0443
jennifer@centralrockgym.com

Front Door Information Session (English) - webinar
2023-04-03 09:00 - 11:00
The Front Door Information Session will outline the process of how you can become eligible for supports and services, the types of supports and services available, and where you can go to get assistance. All sessions are presently offered remotely by WebEx. The session length is two hours.
All Regional Offices offer translation services for the language that best fits your needs. If you require a session in a language other than English, Spanish or Chinese, including American Sign Language (ASL), please contact your local Front Door Office. Front Door contact numbers may be found on the OPWDD Website here: https://opwdd.ny.gov/contact-us#access-services-through-front-door.

Register here: https://meetny.webex.com/weblink/register/r3cd1e4fae54f217b15214da2a6fabdba
If you need assistance, please contact Richard Labonte at 585-241-5842 or Richard.S.Labonte@opwdd.ny.gov

Self-Directed Services: A Caregiver Guide - Live webinar
2023-04-03 19:00 - 20:00
Have you been wondering about Self-Directed Services? Come learn the basics of self-directed services that are an option for families with OPWDD. This will include a discussion about what types of supports and services can be included in a self-direction budget.
Live webinar on Monday, April 3 from 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
REGISTER here for this FREE event!
email: info@parentnetworkwny.org | call: 716.332.4170 | http://www.parentnetworkwny.org/events
About the speaker
Bonnie has worked with Parent Network since 2021 as a Family Support Specialist; she is passionate about supporting families to secure all the benefits and services to help them reach their goals. In 2022 Bonnie became in independent broker for individuals who want to self-direct their OPWDD services. Bonnie is a NYS credentialed Peer Support Specialist as well as a NYS credentialed Family Peer Advocate; she is also the parent of a child with multiple diagnoses including ADHD and autism.

Guidelines for Determining the Need for a One-to-One Aide via Zoom
2023-04-04 12:30 - 13:30
Please join Namita Modasra, Education Advocate, Parent to Parent of NYS for this wonderful webinar: Guidelines for Determining the Need for a One-to-One Aide.
Let’s explore what the IEP team needs to consider, supplemental aids, services and program modifications for all students with disabilities. A key question for the IEP team is to consider whether the student with a disability does or does not require one-to-one support to make meaningful progress toward annual goals in the IEP in the least restrictive environment (LRE).
If you have any questions, please call Tina Beauparlant at (518) 381-4350.
Register here.

Preparing to Transition from High School to the Adult World after Graduation via Zoom
2023-04-05 11:00 - 12:30
Please join Tina Beauparlant, Parent to Parent of NYS, Regional Manager/ Education Specialist for this wonderful webinar.
This training gives parents, grandparents and guardians, an understanding of high school transition.
Transition from high school to young adulthood is a critical stage for all teenagers; for students with disabilities this stage requires extra planning and goal setting. Factors to consider include post-secondary education, the development of career and vocational skills, as well as the ability to live independently. The first step in planning for a successful transition is developing the student’s transition plan. A transition plan is required for students enrolled in special education who have an Individualized Education Program (IEP). We will define and describe transition planning and how it can be utilized to maximize your child’s future.
If you have any questions, contact Tina Beauparlant at (518) 381-4350.
REGISTER here.

Communicating with the CPSE / CSE through Letter Writing via Zoom
2023-04-05 18:00 - 19:00
Please join Namita Modasra, Education Advocate, Parent to Parent of NYS, as she presents a webinar on Communicating with the CPSE/CSE through Letter Writing.
Letter writing can be a very effective method of communication and advocacy for parents of children with disabilities. This training assists parents, guardians, grandparents how to clearly and effectively express concerns, ideas or suggestions to the professionals involved in their child’s special education program.
If you have any questions, contact Tina Beauparlant at (518) 381-4350.
REGISTER here.

Front Door Info Session (Spanish) via WebEx
2023-04-06 10:00 - 12:00
Agenda
La Sesion Informativa de La OPWDD Front Door/Puerta Principal va explicar el proceso de como establecer eligibilidad para servicios y apoyos; describir los tipos de apoyos y servicios que hay desponible y donde pueden solicitar asistencia.
Registration

Para registrarse, haga clic aquí: https://meetny.webex.com/weblink/register/r829db7eea1bacc1f236e867c912377b5
Si necesita ayuda, comuníquese con Miriam Nieto 718-430-0806 or Miriam.X.Nieto@opwdd.ny.gov

Au-Some Aquarium - Aquarium of Niagara - Friday, April 7, 2023
2023-04-07 18:00 - 20:00 | Aquarium of Niagara, 701 Whirlpool Street, NIagara Falls, NY, 14301
Families impacted by Autism Spectrum Disorder are invited to enjoy a special evening at the Aquarium of Niagara to visit and learn in a supportive environment.
Guests can watch a sea lion presentation, touch sharks and stingrays at M&T Bank Shark and Ray Bay, interact with sensory stations, enjoy snacks, complete crafts, and more.
When: Friday, April 7, 2023, 6-8pm
Cost:

$25 – Family Admission (up to five people; please indicate the number of children and adults attending)
$7 – Individual Group Home Resident
Free – Group Home Staff Chaperone

The program was developed with collaboration between Aquarium of Niagara, Arc of Erie County, and several community partners. Questions? Contact education@aquariumofniagara.org.

Sensory Friendly Family Film Series: The Super Mario Bros. Movie
2023-04-08 10:00 - 12:00 | Flix Stadium 10, 4901 Transit Road, Lancaster, NY, 14043, United States
Flix Stadium 10 sensory friendly family film series slated to run the first or second Saturday of every month at 10am. The films will be presented with the theatre lights on and the sound lowered.
Dipson Theatres, Inc. acknowledges the needs of social engagement and environmental factors affecting people on the autism spectrum, and hope that this family film series will create an entertainment venue for families to enjoy new releases in a presentation that will suit unique and special needs.
Saturday, April 8: The Super Mario Bros. Movie
A plumber named Mario travels through an underground labyrinth with his brother, Luigi, trying to save a captured princess. Run time: 100 minutes.
Admission is $8.75 per person for both children and adults. Flix will also offer a monthly raffle for attendees to win concession prizes and promotional movie gifts.
Potential guests are encouraged to sign up for the theatre’s weekly email list which will announce each month’s film. Anyone interested can go to www.dipsontheatres.com and sign up for the weekly newsletter.
Contact: Larry Phillips, General Manager, Flix Stadium 10, Larry@dipsontheatres.com, 716-668-1888
4901 Transit Road Lancaster, NY 14043
https://flix10.dipsontheatres.com/

The Link WNY’s Family & Caregiver Group via Zoom
2023-04-10 18:30 - 20:00
Are you a parent of a child with disabilities or do you suspect they have a disability?
Do you want to…
– Feel less overwhelmed?
– Feel a sense of belonging?

Get the support you need from Parent Network of WNY, Empower and other group members!
Discuss topics such as Special Education, Sensory Processing Disorders, Autism Spectrum Disorders, and more!
REGISTER ONCE FOR MONTHLY EMAIL REMINDERS AND ZOOM MEETING LINKS! REGISTER

Call: 716-332-4170 | Email: info@parentnetworkwny.org
MEET THE HOSTS
Kim Newton, 20 years experience working with special needs families,
Nicole LaMonte-DeGolier, parent of child with special needs, and
Erin Reisdorf, Parent of child with special needs.
Download flyer

Front Door Information Session (English) via WebEx
2023-04-11 09:00 - 11:00
The Front Door Information Session will outline the process of how you can become eligible for supports and services, the types of supports and services available, and where you can go to get assistance. All sessions are presently offered remotely by WebEx. The session length is two hours.
All Regional Offices offer translation services for the language that best fits your needs. If you require a session in a language other than English, Spanish or Chinese, including American Sign Language (ASL), please contact your local Front Door Office. Front Door contact numbers may be found on the OPWDD Website here: https://opwdd.ny.gov/contact-us#access-services-through-front-door.
Register here: https://meetny.webex.com/weblink/register/r7f935a1ad40f35cf6d6f83c8b713348f
If you need assistance, please contact Molly Graves at 607-217-6588 or molly.c.graves@opwdd.ny.gov

How to Protect My Child's Future Through Guardianship, Wills & Trusts via Zoom
2023-04-11 18:00 - 20:00
How to Protect My Child’s Future Through Guardianship, Wills & Trusts
Planning for the future is especially important when you have a child with a disability. This workshop provides parents or caregivers with an overview of things to think about: guardianship, wills, and trusts.
The workshop will help you to understand your options as you begin to think about plans for your special needs child.
*Certificate of completion available upon request*
REGISTER.
FREE EVENT!
Call: 716-332-4170 | Email: info@parentnetworkwny.org
Download Flyer

Autism and Pica - webinar
2023-04-12 13:00 - 14:00
Tune in to hear Dean Alexander, Ph.D., discuss pica, the ingestion of non-food substances, which has received insufficient attention as a common, sometimes lethal, form of self-injurious behavior. Behavioral approaches to treatment, more often than not, fall short. Biological intervention, if supported, may hold out new promise.
Handouts are available for download (PDF) HERE
This is a joint presentation by ARI and the World Autism Organisation.
About the speaker:
Dr. Dean Alexander has worked at centers for children with physical handicaps and emotional disturbances and adults with developmental disabilities (Lanterman Developmental Center) before entering Claremont Graduate University, Claremont, CA. At CGU, Dr. Alexander teamed up with Dr. Laura Schreibman, then worked on Dr. Ivar Lovaas’s landmark Young Autism Project; this led to a case study and a co-authorship of Dr. Lovaas’s first two books. Returning to LDC as a psychologist, he co-authored the first behavioral treatment of pica while gaining familiarity with nutritional and vitamin-driven approaches through literature and conferences presented by the Autism Research Institute.
REGISTER here.

Region 1 Self-Direction Information Sessions via WebEx/online
2023-04-12 16:00 - 18:00
All Region 1 Self-Direction Information sessions are WebEx/online format and attendance is taken using the person’s email address. This WebEx (if attended in its entirety) satisfies the requirement for attending a Self-Direction information session.
Attendance is taken using the email address logging in for the session. If you have any additional questions regarding attendance, please call your SD Liaison.
**People who are unable to access a WebEx session should contact their SD Liaison for a phone session.
Registration is required. Register here.

Neurodiversity at Work: Perspectives on Autism and Employment via Zoom
2023-04-13 16:30 - 18:00
NYU Regional Center for ASD – Autism Month Event
Neurodiversity At Work: Perspectives on Autism and Employment
Thursday, April 13, 2023 from 4:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
With only 15-20% of autistic individuals estimated to be employed in the US, there is a clear opportunity to build a more inclusive workforce. In this Autism Month panel, we will hear perspectives from self-advocates and community professionals about how to support individuals with autism throughout the varying stages of the employment process. We will discuss topics like workplace accommodations and how employers can reinforce neurodiverse employees’ success. We will also discuss navigating self-disclosure in the workplace, job development resources in NYC, and more.
Register Now
PANELISTS
AJ France, Partnerships Manager, KultureCity
Jason Ramriez, Advance Program Supervisor, Goodwill
Sean Culkin, Board Member, KultureCity
Beth Harper, MSW, Youth Educator, INCLUDEnyc
Click here for the flyer.
Learn More
For any questions or to learn more about the New York City Regional Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders (RCASD), headquartered at the Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at NYU Langone Health, please contact: csc.rcasd@nyulangone.org.

Residential Placement Online Discussion Group- Parents who have a child or adult in a Residential placement via Zoom
2023-04-13 19:00 - 20:00
Are you considering a residential school or program for your son/daughter and just don’t know how you will ever be able to make this decision? Do you feel guilty for even thinking about it? Do you have a family member in a residential program and are struggling to make peace with this decision?
Parent to Parent is excited to host a Parent Discussion Group facilitated by Mariela Adams, for families with children and adults of all ages that have children in residential school or are considering a residential placement for their loved one.
Come join us for an hour of support and conversation about this important topic.
REGISTER here.

Parent to Parent of NYS FATHERS GROUP via Zoom
2023-04-13 19:00 - 20:30
Statewide Virtual Meeting: Bi-weekly on Thursdays, starting at 7 p.m. Parent to Parent of NYS Fathers Group to meet online via Zoom and discuss the role of dads in navigating their childrens’ special needs. Come join Chris Brewster for an informal meeting to share information, resources, and support. Parents of children and adults are welcome.
REGISTER here.

Work-Based Learning (WBL) Updates & Collaboration (IN-PERSON EVENT)
2023-04-14 12:30 - 14:30 | Erie 1 BOCES, 355 Harlem Road, West Seneca, NY, 14224, United States
Work-Based Learning (WBL) Updates & Collaboration
Join us in-person for updates around Work-Based Learning!
We will be discussing the family’s role in WBL, updates from the new manual, and have round table discussions around work-based learning and schools.
*Certificate of completion available upon request*
REGISTER.
FREE EVENT!
Call: 716-332-4170 | Email: info@parentnetworkwny.org
Download Flyer

Understanding Your Child’s FBA/BIP Process via Zoom
2023-04-14 15:00 - 16:30
Does your child need a Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) and Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP)?
Gain an understanding of the regulations, the process, and the roles of the families and the school. *Certificate of completion available upon request*
CTLE credits available.
REGISTER TODAY!
FREE EVENT!
Call: 716-332-4170 | Email: info@parentnetworkwny.org

Au-some Evening at Explore & More - The Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Children's Museum
2023-04-14 17:30 - 19:30 | Explore & More – The Ralph C Wilson Jr. Children’s Museum, 130 Main Street, Buffalo, NY, 14202, United States
Once a month, Au-Some Evenings give children with autism and sensory processing needs, their friends and family an opportunity to play and learn together in an understanding and supportive environment. In addition to a fun night of play with access to the museum space and exhibits, we have special programming for families! The evening features themed Art Studio projects, sensory exploration in our Tinkering Tank, therapy animals from the SPCA and student volunteers from SUNY Buffalo State’s Exceptional Education program. Parent outreach materials including links for social stories, child development resources and play tips are always available. We even provide small giveaways or snacks in the lobby, at the end of the night to help with the transition of leaving the museum. We look forward to having you join us!
To register for the next Au-Some Evening please complete the form, here!

Special thanks to the Exceptional Education department from SUNY Buffalo State for providing volunteers who help support children and families develop language skills, promote social interactions, and facilitate learning through play. Au-Some Evenings was created in 2012 and presented in partnership with: Kathy Doody, Professor in Exceptional Education, and Jana Mertz, The Arc Erie County.

Click here to download our Au-Some Evening flyer!

Questions? Email accessibility@exploreandmore.org.
SPACE IS LIMITED!

Family Guide To Transition Planning via Zoom
2023-04-17 18:00 - 20:00
Family Guide to Transition Planning
To assist families in understanding the transition planning process specifically from high school to life after high school.
When families are knowledgeable about the transition process students with disabilities experience improved post-school outcomes in the areas of employment, postsecondary education, and independent living.
*Certificate of completion available upon request*
REGISTER.
FREE EVENT!
Call: 716-332-4170 | Email: info@parentnetworkwny.org
Download Flyer
